Easy guide: USCIS Form I-90 Explained

Navigating the process of replacing or renewing a Permanent Resident Card, commonly known as a Green Card, can be daunting. The USCIS Form I-90, "Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card," is specifically designed for this purpose. This essential form is used by lawful permanent residents and conditional permanent residents to request a replacement or renewal of their existing Green Card.

The primary purpose of Form I-90 is to ensure that all permanent residents maintain a valid Green Card, which is crucial for proving your legal status in the United States, re-entering the U.S. after travel abroad, and for employment verification. Accurate and complete submission of Form I-90 is vital to avoid delays or rejections that could affect your legal status and daily activities. This guide will help you understand the form, who needs to file it, and how to complete it correctly to ensure a smooth and efficient application process.

Understanding Form I-90

Form I-90, "Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card," is a form used by lawful permanent residents and conditional permanent residents to apply for replacement or renewal of their green cards.

Lawful Permanent Residents: These individuals use Form I-90 to replace a lost, stolen, or mutilated Green Card, or to renew an expired Green Card.

Conditional Permanent Residents: These individuals may use Form I-90 to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged card, but they cannot use it to renew a card that expires within 90 days. Instead, they must file Form I-751 or Form I-829 to remove the conditions on their residency.

Who should file Form I-90?

1. Lawful permanent residents: Individuals with lawful permanent resident status who need to replace or renew their green card.

2. Permanent residents with commuter status: Those who live in a contiguous foreign territory (Mexico or Canada) but commute to work in the United States.

3. Conditional permanent residents needing a replacement card: Those who need to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged conditional green card.

Who should not file Form I-90?

1. Conditional permanent residents whose status will expire within 90 days: These individuals should not use Form I-90 to renew their status. Instead, they must file:

• Form I-751: Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, for those whose conditional status is based on marriage.

• Form I-829: Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions, for those whose conditional status is based on entrepreneurship.

By understanding the purpose and specific uses of Form I-90, applicants can ensure that they are using the correct form for their situation and avoid unnecessary delays or complications in maintaining their legal residency status.

Steps to Complete the Form I-90

General Instructions

1. Use the latest version of Adobe Reader: Make sure you have the latest version of Adobe Reader to accurately complete the Form I-90 and avoid compatibility issues.

2. Signature requirements and signature validity:

• Each applicant must personally sign the form.

• USCIS will not accept stamped or typed names in lieu of a signature.

• If the applicant is under 14 years of age, a parent or legal guardian may sign on their behalf. Legal guardians may also sign for mentally incapacitated persons.

• Photocopies, faxes, or scanned copies of the original handwritten signature are considered valid.

3. Filing fee information:

• Check Form G-1055 on the USCIS website for the most current fee information related to the Form I-90.

• Be sure to include the appropriate fees with your application or your form may be rejected.
  

  

  
  

4. Submitting evidence and supporting documents:

• Include all required evidence and supporting documents as specified in the Form I-90 instructions.

• Failure to submit complete documentation may result in a delay or denial of your application.

Specific instructions

Part 1: Information about you

• Provide your Alien Registration Number (A-Number), USCIS online account number (if any), full legal name, and any name changes.

• Provide your mailing and physical addresses, gender, date and place of birth, and the names of your parents.

• List your class of admission and date of admission to the United States, along with your U.S. social security number (if any).

Part 2: Type of application and reason for application

Select your current immigration status and the specific reason for your application, such as lost or stolen card, name change, or card renewal.

Part 3: Processing information

• Provide details about where you applied for an immigrant visa or adjustment of status and where your immigrant visa was issued.

• Answer questions about any exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings.

Biographical information section

• Provide information about your ethnicity, race, height, weight, eye color, and hair color.

Applicant's statement, contact information, attestation, and signature

• Indicate whether you read the form yourself or used an interpreter.

• Provide your contact information and sign and date the application.

Interpreter's contact information, certification, and signature

• If you used an interpreter, provide the interpreter's contact information, certification, and signature.

Preparer's contact information, certification, and signature

• If someone else prepared your application, they must provide their contact information, declaration, and signature.

Biometric Services Appointment

USCIS may require you to attend a Biometric Services Appointment to be fingerprinted, photographed, and signed in order to verify your identity and conduct background checks.

Importance of attending the appointment and what to expect

It is important to attend your biometrics appointment. You will receive an appointment notice with the date, time, and location.

At the appointment, you will be required to sign an affidavit stating that all information on your application is complete, true, and correct.

What happens if you miss your appointment?

Failure to attend your biometric enrollment appointment may result in the denial of your application. If you are unable to attend your scheduled appointment, you must reschedule as soon as possible according to USCIS instructions.

Following these steps carefully will ensure that your Form I-90 application is complete and accurate, minimizing the risk of delays or denials in the processing of your Green Card replacement or renewal.

Supporting documents and evidence

Required documents

When filing Form I-90, you must submit several supporting documents to verify your identity and provide proof for the reason you are requesting a replacement or renewal of your Permanent Resident Card. Here are the common types of documents you may need:

1. Identification Documents:

• Copy of your current Permanent Resident Card (if available).

• Government-issued identification with your name, date of birth, photograph, and signature (e.g., passport, driver’s license, military ID).

2. Proof of Name Change (if applicable):

• Registered copy of your marriage certificate.

• Divorce decree.

• Adoption decree.

• Other court-issued documents showing your name was legally changed.

3. Evidence of Residence:

• Lease agreement.

• Utility bills.

• Deed.

• If residing with a spouse or parent, provide a copy of your marriage certificate or birth certificate along with the proof of residence.

4. Additional specific documents based on reason for filing:

- Lost, stolen, or destroyed card: Submit any remaining pieces of the card or other government-issued ID.

- Never received card: Provide a copy of the latest Form I-797, Notice of Action, indicating your approved status.

- Incorrect data due to DHS error: Submit the original card and evidence of correct data (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate).

- Expired or expiring card: Include a copy of your expired or soon-to-expire card.

- Automatic conversion to permanent resident status: Provide proof of your temporary residence status (e.g., Form I-797 for Form I-700).

How to submit copies and original documents

Copies: Submit clear and legible photocopies of the required documents unless the instructions specifically request an original document.

Original documents: USCIS may ask for original documents at any point during the process. If requested, you will receive the original document back after USCIS no longer needs it.

Submission guidelines: Make sure all copies are complete and accurate to avoid any processing delays.

Translations

Requirement for translations of documents in foreign languages

If any of your supporting documents are in a language other than English, you must provide a full English translation of the document.

Certification of Translations

The translation must be certified. This means the translator must provide a signed statement attesting to the accuracy and completeness of the translation and confirming their competency in both the original language and English.

The translator’s certification should include:

• A statement confirming the accuracy and completeness of the translation.

• The translator's name, signature, and date of certification.

• The translator’s contact information.

By carefully preparing and submitting the required documents and ensuring all translations are certified accurately, you can help ensure your Form I-90 application is processed smoothly and without unnecessary delays.

Filing the Form I-90

Online Filing Options

USCIS Online Account:

• Create or log into your USCIS online account at USCIS Online.

• Complete and submit Form I-90 electronically.

• Pay the filing fee online using a credit or debit card or a U.S. bank account.

• Upload all required supporting documents.

• Track the status of your application and respond to any USCIS requests for additional information.

Mailing instructions for paper filing

1. Download the form:

• Obtain the latest version of Form I-90 from the USCIS website here.

• Print the form and complete it in black ink.

2. Prepare Your Application Package:

• Include the completed Form I-90.

• Attach all required supporting documents.

• Include the filing fee payment (check or money order) made payable to the "U.S. Department of Homeland Security". Do not send cash.

3. Mailing Address:

• Check the USCIS website for the most current mailing address for Form I-90: USCIS Lockbox Facility.

• Use a secure and traceable mailing method, such as certified mail or a courier service.

Address change notifications

If you change your address after filing Form I-90, you must notify USCIS within 10 days of moving to the new address.

Online Update: Use the USCIS Online Change of Address tool.

Form AR-11: You can also file Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card, online or by mail.

Failure to update your address may result in missing important USCIS notices and your application being delayed or denied.

Common reasons for filing form I-90

1. Lost, stolen, or destroyed card:

• If your Green Card has been lost, stolen, or destroyed, you need to file Form I-90 to request a replacement.

• Provide details about the circumstances and include a copy of any available identification documents.

2. Never received the card:

• If you were approved for permanent residency but never received your Green Card, select this option.

• Include a copy of the latest Form I-797, Notice of Action, indicating your approved status.

3. Mutilated card:

• If your Green Card is mutilated or partially destroyed, you need to replace it.

• Submit a copy of the mutilated card or any other government-issued identification.

4. Incorrect data due to DHS error:

• If your Green Card contains incorrect data due to an error made by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), you can request a correction.

• Include the original Green Card with the incorrect data and evidence of the correct information (e.g., birth certificate, passport).

5. Legal name change or biographical information change:

• If you have legally changed your name or other biographical information, you must update your Green Card.

• Provide legal documents reflecting the change (e.g., marriage certificate, court order).

6. Expired or expiring card:

• If your Green Card has expired or will expire within the next six months, file Form I-90 for renewal.

• Include a copy of your expired or expiring card.

7. Reaching the age of 14:

• Lawful permanent residents must file Form I-90 to register and receive a new Green Card upon reaching their 14th birthday.

• Submit the application within 30 days after your 14th birthday and include the biometric services fee only if your card will expire after your 16th birthday.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure your Form I-90 is filed correctly, whether online or by mail, and that all necessary steps are taken to keep your information up-to-date with USCIS. This will help prevent any interruptions in your legal residency status.

After Filing Form I-90

USCIS Processing

1. Receipt notice: After submitting Form I-90, USCIS will send you a receipt notice (Form I-797C, Notice of Action) to confirm that they have received your application. This notice will include a receipt number which you can use to track your application status.

2. Application review: USCIS will review your application for completeness. This includes ensuring that all required sections are filled out and that the correct fees are paid.

Requests for more information or evidence

1. Request for Evidence (RFE): If USCIS requires additional information or documentation to support your application, they will send you an RFE. You must respond to this request within the specified timeframe, providing the requested information to avoid delays or denial of your application.

Potential interviews or additional biometrics appointments

1. Biometrics Appointment

USCIS may require you to attend a biometrics appointment where your fingerprints, photograph, and signature will be taken. This step is crucial for identity verification and background checks.

- Appointment Notice: You will receive a notice with the date, time, and location of your biometrics appointment.

- Failure to Attend: If you do not attend your biometrics appointment, USCIS may deny your application. If you cannot attend the scheduled appointment, reschedule it as soon as possible according to the instructions on the appointment notice.

2. Interviews

In some cases, USCIS might request that you appear for an interview to further review your application. The interview notice will provide details on what to bring and how to prepare.

Receiving the Decision from USCIS

Decision Notice: Once USCIS has reviewed all the information and completed the necessary checks, they will make a decision on your Form I-90 application. You will receive a notice informing you of the decision.

• Approval: If approved, you will receive your new Green Card by mail.

• Denial: If denied, the notice will include the reasons for the denial and information on how to appeal the decision if applicable.

Tracking your application

USCIS case status online:

• Visit the USCIS Case Status Online page.

• Enter your receipt number from the Form I-797C, Notice of Action.

• Review the current status and any updates related to your application.

Contacting USCIS for assistance:

For additional assistance, you can contact the USCIS Contact Center. The contact center provides information in English and Spanish and can help with inquiries about your application status, address changes, or other concerns.

By understanding these steps and knowing what to expect after filing Form I-90, you can ensure that you are prepared for the USCIS processing and can promptly respond to any requests for additional information, thus facilitating a smoother application process.

Tips for a smooth application process

Accuracy and Completeness

1. Carefully review all information on the Form I-90 to ensure it is accurate and complete.

2. Verify that personal information such as your name, Alien Registration Number, and contact information is correct.

3. Make sure all questions are answered completely and accurately, using "N/A" or "None" where appropriate.

Ensure all supporting documents are included

1. Gather all required supporting documents based on the reason for your application (e.g., identification, proof of name change, proof of residency).

2. Make sure all copies are clear and legible.

3. Ensure that all foreign language documents are accompanied by certified English translations.

4. Include all required fees with your application, properly paid.
   

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   Stay informed

1. Stay abreast of any changes in USCIS procedures or requirements

• Check the USCIS website regularly for updates on policies, forms, and filing requirements.

• Subscribe to USCIS alerts or newsletters to be notified of any changes that may affect your application.

2. Utilizing USCIS resources and support for questions and concerns

• Use the USCIS Help Center for frequently asked questions and additional assistance.

• Use online resources such as the USCIS Case Status Online tool to track the status of your application.

Conclusion

Successfully navigating the Form I-90 application process is critical to maintaining your lawful permanent resident status. By ensuring that all information is accurate and complete, including all required supporting documents, and by staying informed of any changes in USCIS procedures, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of delays or denials.

Remember, every step in the application process is important. Double-check your work, respond promptly to any USCIS requests for additional information, and keep track of your application status. Following these tips and following the instructions closely will help ensure a smooth and timely process for replacing or renewing your Green Card.

By taking these steps seriously, you can make the Form I-90 application process as easy and stress-free as possible, and ultimately secure your status and rights as a lawful permanent resident of the United States.